Vol. 9, Special Issue 11, Part L (2025)

Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. rubra) is a nutritionally rich, high-value cruciferous vegetable known for its vibrant anthocyanin pigmentation and health-promoting properties. Despite its market potential, red cabbage cultivation in India remains limited and often underexploited, with average yields of 3035 t/ha. However, integrated nutrient management practices incorporating organic manures and bio-fertilizers have shown promise in enhancing yield and profitability. This study was conducted at Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab), to evaluate the effect of different organic manures (FYM, poultry manure, vermicompost) and bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter, PSB, KSB) on the yield and economics of red cabbage under a factorial randomized block design with 16 treatments and 3 replications. Results revealed that the treatment combining Azotobacter @ 5 kg ha⁻¹ with vermicompost @ 5 t ha⁻¹ recorded the highest gross return (₹765,173.33 ha⁻¹), net return (₹647,803.08 ha⁻¹) and one of the highest yields. The highest benefit: cost ratio (6.00:1) was observed with Azotobacter + poultry manure. Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) enhanced phosphorus availability through solubilization of soil phosphates, promoting root development and head formation, while Potash Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB) improved potassium availability, crucial for head compactness and quality. Treatments involving PSB and KSB in combination with vermicompost or poultry manure also yielded significantly better results than control.